WEEK 3 PREVIEW: Breaking down the biggest games in Texas high school football

Westfield-North Shore and Woodlands-Katy help kick-off the Houston area's football season post-Harvey.

Hutto (2-0, 0-0) at Georgetown (2-0, 0-0)It’s the district opener in this nine-team Austin area loop and once again this matchup features playoff implications. Both teams are expected to be right in the thick of the playoff race behind front-running Cedar Park, so a win to open up district play is massive. Hutto dominated the city of Bryan in non-district beating both Bryan ISD schools by a combined score of 99-21 including a 45-7 win over Bryan Rudder last week. It was a balanced effort from the Hippos in the win forcing three turnovers and seeing six different players reach the end zone. The catalyst for the high-flying attack is quarterback Chase Griffin who had another solid night throwing for 226 yards. Georgetown rallied past Class 6A Buda Hays Consolidated last week knocking the Rebels off, 35-28, as the Leggett brothers for Georgetown made their mark on the game. Receiver Caden Leggett had a monster night hauling in nine passes for 234 yards and three scores including a highlight reel one handed grab that landed on SportsCenter. With the game tied at 28 late, junior defensive back Gage Leggett recovered a kickoff for Georgetown that led to the Eagles game winning score with 1:52 remaining. The two played a barn burner last year with Georgetown winning in overtime, that loss nearly kept Hutto out of the playoffs a year ago. Expect a high scoring affair with both teams capable of scoring forty points. In these types of games, I lean toward defense and that edge goes to Hutto.Stepp’s Pick: Hutto by 2Max’s Pick: Hutto
Ishmael’s Pick: Georgetown
Brady’s Pick: Georgetown
Tepper’s Pick: Hutto

Albany (2-0) at Roscoe (2-0)At the 2A Division II level in the Big Country, the gold standard is Albany. The Lions are traditionally a contender for the regional crown and played for a state title in 2014 and 2015, so the bar is set high. Roscoe feels like it has the kind of team that can compete, so despite these two being in different regions this is a true measuring stick game for the Plowboys. Albany made quick work of a pair of 3A opponents to start the year including rolling past Dublin, 61-21, last week. Roscoe had some trouble but slipped past Early, 20-13. Roscoe had trouble getting the offensive consistency it needs to be effective as quarterback Jayden Gonzales was only 15-of-34 passing and running back Francisco Garcia needed 32 carries to get to 90 yards. That’s a bit concerning going into this one as Albany’s physical style may produce even lesser offensive numbers for typically high-flying Roscoe.Stepp’s Pick: Albany by 13
Max’s Pick: Albany
Ishmael’s Pick: Albany
Brady’s Pick: Albany
Tepper’s Pick: Albany

Caldwell (1-0) at Madisonville (2-0)Caldwell opened up its season with an impressive 57-42 rout of Class 3A power Franklin last week. The Hornets were led by Domonique Chambers who hauled in three touchdowns and ran for another in the impressive offensive showing, however, Caldwell’s run defense has room for improvement as it struggled to slow down Franklin’s ground game. Madisonville has had a pair of impressive wins over 3A opponents as well taking down Teague and Woodville. The key for the Mustangs in last week’s 30-22 win was balance. Madisonville had four different players score touchdowns in the win and Kendell Moffett led the way with a rushing touchdown and a fumble recovery on defense. I expect a close one.
Both teams are right on the cusp of taking a step into potentially elite teams in their region, but there’s something about this Madisonville team led by head coach Rusty Nail that we really like.Stepp’s Pick: Madisonville by 2Max’s Pick: Madisonville
Ishmael’s Pick: Caldwell
Brady’s Pick: Madisonville
Tepper’s Pick: Madisonville

East Bernard (1-0) at Edna (1-0):New Edna head coach Jerry Long gets to face his former team this week as East Bernard comes to town. Both teams saw their openers delayed by one week due to Hurricane Harvey, but they didn’t waste any time getting in the win column. East Bernard’s defense stole the show last week in a hard fought 15-6 win over Hitchcock. Edna’s defense was also stellar in a 21-7 win over Ingleside last week. The Cowboys held IHS under 100 yards rushing on the night. The new Wing-T offense will take some time to get rolling, but Long’s track record is certainly proven based on his days turning East Bernard into a power. This will be a low scoring, slugfest that looks to be a pick-em game, we’ll lean to the larger school Edna just by a nose.Stepp’s Pick: Edna by 1Max’s Pick: Edna
Ishmael’s Pick:Edna
Brady’s Pick: East Bernard
Tepper’s Pick: East Bernard

Anson (2-0) at Tuscola Jim Ned (2-0)Class 2A Anson takes a significant step up in competition this week as it visits Class 3A Jim Ned. The Tigers offense has been outstanding early averaging 41 points per game through two weeks, including a 47-24 win over Haskell last week. Quarterback Drew Hagler threw for 341 yards and three touchdowns, while also running for 172 yards and three scores to lead Anson. Jim Ned is off to a surprising 2-0 start including an impressive 33-18 win over normally powerful Goldthwaite a week ago. The Indians were led by quarterback/defensive back Coalby Rives who had 160 yards of offense, three total touchdowns and he also chipped in nine tackles on defense. This one may simply come down to depth. Anson may be more explosive, but Jim Ned’s a much larger school and in the trenches it may wear down Anson in this one.Stepp’s Pick: Tuscola Jim Ned by 10
Max’s Pick: Jim Ned
Ishmael’s Pick: Jim Ned
Brady’s Pick: Jim Ned
Tepper’s Pick: Jim Ned

Lago Vista (2-0) at Wall (2-0)Surprising Lago Vista has a chance to make real waves this week as it heads to the Concho Valley to take on DCTF’s number one team in 3A Division I, the Wall Hawks. LVHS knocked off Brady last week 28-12. The big play for the Vikings in the win was an 85-yard touchdown pass from Jared DeFelice to Covey Wright. The Vikings offense will have their hands full this week with a dominant Wall defense that held powerful Cisco to just a field goal in a comfortable 21-3 victory last week. Wall’s balanced rushing attack last week was led by Casey Braden who had 87 yards and a touchdown. Wall’s simply got too much size and too many weapons and they should roll once again at home.Stepp’s Pick: Wall by 19Max’s Pick: Wall
Ishmael’s Pick: Wall
Brady’s Pick: Wall
Tepper’s Pick: Wall

Mansfield Legacy (2-0) at Aledo (2-0)When these two met last year, we weren’t sure how good Legacy was and after a solid performance in a loss we began to see the Broncos were for real. They proved it as head coach Chris Melson’s squad advanced all the way to the state quarter-finals before falling to eventual state champion Highland Park. With the injury to Oklahoma commit Jase McClellan at running back, Aledo is leaning on Tre Owens to get the job done and he proved that he’s more than capable thus far. He was a key cog in the Bearcats’ easy 50-8 win over an overmatched opponent from Mexico. The test will be tougher this week against a stout Legacy defense that led the way in a hard fought 10-7 win over Crowley last week. The lack of offensive production for Legacy against Crowley is concerning as it’ll have to put points up to keep up with the powerful Aledo attack.Stepp’s Pick: Aledo by 21Max’s Pick: Aledo
Ishmael’s Pick: Aledo
Brady’s Pick: Aledo
Tepper’s Pick: Aledo

Midlothian Heritage (2-0) at Decatur (2-0)Last year these two met at The Star and it was an offensive show that Midlothian Heritage won late and that win really is what propelled the Jaguars to a three-round playoff run in their first year. This year’s game features a bit more fanfare as both come in ranked in the top ten of DCTF’s Class 4A Division I rankings. Decatur earned a hard fought 28-21 win over Alvarado last week. The Eagles’ offense, which gets a lot of headlines, was held in check and it was the defense that rose to the occasion with some key stops, especially in overtime. Quarterback Wilson Hicks was again outstanding throwing for 292 yards and four touchdowns for the Eagles. Heritage beat Benbrook 45-28 last week in a game that really wasn’t that close as Heritage led 45-7 at the end of three quarters before pulling many of their starters. Receiver Kerrion Fields had another big game with a pair of touchdown receptions. Look for a lot of points in this one as both offenses are among the best in 4A Division I. Last year’s game featured 102 total points and it wouldn’t surprise me to see more of the same in this matchup.Stepp’s Pick: Midlothian Heritage by 7Max’s Pick: Midlothian Heritage
Ishmael’s Pick: Decatur
Brady’s Pick: Midlothian Heritage
Tepper’s Pick: Midlothian Heritage

The Woodlands (0-0) at Katy (0-0)
It was a magical season for The Woodlands last year who advanced all the way to the state title game. The team will open their season against the powerful Katy Tigers. The big question in this one surrounds Katy star running back Deondrick Glass, who is still recovering from an injury. However, the extra two weeks off due to the hurricane likely means Glass is back to 100 percent, but expect Katy to take it slow with him early on as the Tigers still have the luxury of a very capable backup in Josh Oglesby. As always, expect Katy to be very good up front on both sides of the ball, especially on defense with 2015 state title MVP defensive lineman Michael Matus, an Arizona State commit. The Woodlands has lots of talent on offense, most notably KeSean Carter who is a speed merchant on the outside, but replacing an operator of its offense like previous quarterback Eric Schmid is going to be major challenge. The Highlanders will be solid up front and could rely on their defense early as that unit showed major improvement as the playoffs progressed. It’s hard to know how each team will react after such a long wait to start their season. Expect a lot of emotion and physical play and that kind of game favors the Tigers at home.Stepp’s Pick: Katy by 10Max’s Pick: Katy
Ishmael’s Pick: Katy
Brady’s Pick: Katy
Tepper’s Pick:Katy

Carthage (2-0) at Whitehouse (2-0)It’s a big week in East Texas and from a pure entertainment standpoint, this matchup gets top billing. Even in Carthage’s best years Whitehouse has often been a thorn in the Bulldogs’ side and this year may be no different. Whitehouse comes in with plenty of talent and brimming with confidence. Carthage last week got a tougher-than-expected test with Texarkana Liberty-Eylau, but prevailed 48-38. Typically, it’s Texas commit Keaontay Ingram who grabs headlines and he was solid with 82 rushing yards and a touchdown, but it was receiver Dewaylon Ingram who had 100 receiving yards and two touchdowns that paced the Bulldogs along with quarterback Gunner Capps who threw four touchdowns. Whitehouse played on Thursday last week and took down rival Tyler Chapel Hill, 28-14. It was the Wildcats’ defense that stole the show totally shutting down the Chapel Hill offense aside from two long Khalan Griffin runs in the first and fourth quarter. Texas Tech commit wide receiver Cameron Cantrell hauled in a touchdown pass, but the Wildcats’ offense wasn’t exactly firing on all cylinders. They’ll have to perform better this week, because Carthage simply has too many weapons.Stepp’s Pick: Carthage by 8Max’s Pick: Carthage
Ishmael’s Pick: Carthage
Brady’s Pick: Carthage
Tepper’s Pick: Carthage

Galena Park North Shore (0-0) at Spring Westfield (0-0)It’s finally time in H-Town. After two weeks of waiting due to the effects of Hurricane Harvey, normalcy returns on Friday nights. Two of the most reliable 6A programs in the area meet up in Spring to renew acquaintances and it wouldn’t be surprise to anyone if both sets of Mustangs were playing after Thanksgiving Day. North Shore as always relies heavily on one of the state’s most athletic and physical defensive units, but the return of running back Kerrion Hadnot gives North Shore fans hope that the offense can carry its share of the load. Speaking of defense, Spring Westfield might have one of the best in the state as they welcome back seven starters from a group that made the quarter-finals a year ago. Defensive lineman Keondre Coburn is the headliner, but this group is outstanding at all three levels. Running back Rayshawn James, who averaged ten yards per carry will pace a young but talented group on offense. Don’t expect a lot of points in this one. Both defenses are among the state’s best, but experience and home field advantage favor the guys from the northern reaches of Houston.Stepp’s Pick: Spring Westfield by 6Max’s Pick: Westfield
Ishmael’s Pick: Galena Park North Shore
Brady’s Pick: Westfield
Tepper’s Pick: Westfield

Hereford (2-0) at Pampa (2-0)After a disappointing 2016 campaign, Hereford quickly erased those memories as the Whitefaces are off to an impressive 2-0 start with wins over Lubbock Estacado and Borger. The test will be magnified this week as it travels up to Pampa to take on one of the state’s top offenses at Pampa. Last week’s Hereford’s defense was big as it totally shut Borger down in a 42-7 win. Quarterback Dodge Delozier was also outstanding in directing the Hereford attack. Pampa led by quarterback Brandon Steward blanked Perryton 35-0. Steward and receiver Darrell Fields are one of the top combos in the state, but if Pampa can get the kind of defensive effort they got in last week’s win over Perryton, the Harvesters become a very dangerous team. Pampa’s at home and it has the experience, so we’ll go with the Harvesters in a shootout.Stepp’s Pick: Pampa by 6Max’s Pick: Pampa
Ishmael’s Pick: Pampa
Brady’s Pick: Pampa
Tepper’s Pick: Pampa

Boling (0-0) at Hallettsville (1-0)Last year’s 3A Division II runner’s up finally get their season kicked off this week against one of the top teams in the area in Hallettsville. Boling returns outstanding do-it-all quarterback Vernon Jackson, but a good group of seniors and its head coach have departed. The team will have a tough test this week against Hallettsville who has designs on playing for a state title after getting close multiple times in recent years. The Brahmas rolled past Shiner last week 49-12 as quarterback DJ Taylor, running back Scooter Adams and receiver Jackson Taylor all were huge in the win as Hallettsville’s big play offense were too much for Shiner. Hallettsville now having a game under its belt will give them a big edge and its diversity on offense is going to be a big difference as well. Jackson will get his yards, but the Brahmas just are a bit too much.Stepp’s Pick: Hallettsville by 14 Max’s Pick: Hallettsville
Ishmael’s Pick: Hallettsville
Brady’s Pick: Hallettsville
Tepper’s Pick: Hallettsville

Pittsburg (2-0) at Henderson (2-0)Both teams come into this clash unbeaten after hard fought wins a week ago. Pittsburg slipped past Class 5A Longview Pine Tree, 27-23, rallying for two fourth quarter touchdowns to get the win. Jordan Turner and Adrian Taylor combined for 234 yards rushing and two scores, while wide receiver Keontae Burns chipped in as the team’s leading receiver. The team will have a tough road test against Henderson who slipped past Tatum last week, 21-20. Henderson, who led 14-0 at the half, needed a missed Tatum PAT to hang on. Trae Hall had another nice evening rushing for two scores and, for the second week in a row, Ty Blanton had an interception returned for a touchdown. Henderson has a chance to be really good and its their defense is playing lights out at the moment. If it can get more consistency on offense the Lions could be a real factor in 4A Division I.Stepp’s Pick: Henderson by 8Max’s Pick: Henderson
Ishmael’s Pick: Henderson
Brady’s Pick: Henderson
Tepper’s Pick: Henderson

Tyler John Tyler (2-0) at Lufkin (1-1)Unbeaten John Tyler heads south to Martin Stadium to take on a Lufkin squad fresh off a rivalry win over Nacogdoches. John Tyler had a test with a scrappy Ennis squad at home that was tougher than anticipated, but the Lions escaped with a 27-23 victory. With Ennis stacking the box to slow the Lions’ ground game quarterback Devlen Woods tossed four touchdown passes to lead the John Tyler offense. Lufkin’s offense after a slow start in the opening loss to Longview got it going last week in a 45-28 win over Nacogdoches. Running back Isaiah Phillips ran for 149 yards and three touchdowns, while quarterback Kewone Thomas added 258 yards through the air and a pair of touchdowns to pace the explosive Lufkin offense. Lufkin has the more balanced attack and the Panthers are at home, but the edge goes to John Tyler because of the Lions’ experienced defensive unit.Stepp’s Pick: Tyler John Tyler by 7Max’s Pick: John Tyler
Ishmael’s Pick: Tyler John Tyler
Brady’s Pick: John Tyler
Tepper’s Pick: John Tyler

San Benito (2-0) at McAllen Memorial (2-0)The Valley’s top two 6A teams will duel for bragging rights Friday night in McAllen. After a slow start to open the season, San Benito got things going in a big way with an impressive 44-18 win on the road at San Antonio East Central. Quarterback Erick Retta threw for 262 yards and three touchdowns, while running back Tyrone Harper ran for 166 yards and two scores and chipped in a receiving touchdown as well. The Greyhounds explosive offense will be a major test for a McAllen Memorial defense that contained the Valley’s top rushing attack in Weslaco East a week ago in a 28-14 win. The Mustangs’ defense forced six turnovers, including three forced fumbles from defensive back Kelechi Nwachuku. Running back Campbell Speights topped the 100-yard rushing mark and backup quarterback Sean Skaugen stepped in and threw three touchdown passes to receiver Ethan Bazan as East stacked the line to slow the run. This matchup will come down to which team can impose its style of play on the other. San Benito and its high-flying offense wants to jump out quick on Memorial and force the Mustangs to play catchup. If that happens (which is my prediction), edge to San Benito. But if the game slows down into a slugfest it certainly favors McAllen Memorial.Stepp’s Pick: San Benito by 4Max’s Pick: San Benito
Ishmael’s Pick: San Benito
Brady’s Pick: McAllen Memorial
Tepper’s Pick: McAllen Memorial

San Marcos (2-0) at New Braunfels (2-0)Head coach Mark Soto’s squad is off to a 2-0 start after the Rattlers knocked off New Braunfels Canyon 39-20 last week. The combination of quarterback Purdy Calderon and running back Jamon Johnson helped the Rattlers out to a 27-0 lead at halftime and San Marcos never looked back. Unbeaten New Braunfels got its offense in gear last week throwing up big numbers in a 69-42 win over Seguin. The Unicorns were led by quarterback Ryan Redding who had 429 yards of offense and eight total touchdowns to lead the New Braunfels attack. San Marcos will certainly try to use its ground game to keep the powerful New Braunfels passing game on the sidelines where they can’t do any damage. That strategy will keep the Rattlers in it, but New Braunfels just has too much offense.Stepp’s Pick: New Braunfels by 12Max’s Pick: New Braunfels
Ishmael’s Pick: San Marcos
Brady’s Pick: New Braunfels
Tepper’s Pick: New Braunfels

Seagraves (2-0) at Sundown (2-0)Many thought this might be a retooling year for Seagraves, but the Eagles have started strong at 2-0 out of the gate. The defense was the story last week in a hard fought 10-7 win over Floydada. The team will need another big effort this week against a veteran Sundown team who in two weeks has put 115 points, including a 69-0 shellacking of Morton a week ago. Versatile quarterback/defensive back Christian Huey again led the charge for the Roughnecks and after allowing 41 points in the opener. SHS pitched a shutout a week ago. This Sundown squad looks to be a real force on the South Plains in 2017.Stepp’s Pick: Sundown by 14Max’s Pick: Sundown
Ishmael’s Pick: Sundown
Brady’s Pick: Sundown
Tepper’s Pick: Sundown

Waco Midway (2-0) at Temple (2-0)This one might be the premier matchup in the Super CenTex this weekend. Midway owns a pair of wins over Cedar Park and Round Rock Cedar Ridge which are among the most impressive pair of wins in the state. The Panthers look to add to their resume this week with an away win against last year’s 5A Division I runner up. Last week Midway rolled past Cedar Ridge 34-19 as Oklahoma commit quarterback Tanner Mordecai tossed four touchdowns to lead the multiple faceted Panthers attack which in Week 1 got it done on the ground. After a scare in Week 1 against rival Belton, Temple had no trouble with Round Rock, 48-14. The Wildcats rolled to a 41-7 halftime lead as six different players scored first half touchdowns. Expect a very physical game, both teams hang their hats on fast, hard-hitting defensive units. The key will be which offense can find traction and in an otherwise evenly matched game, I lean toward Midway and its top-flight signal caller.Stepp’s Pick: Waco Midway by 3Max’s Pick: Midway
Ishmael’s Pick: Waco Midway
Brady’s Pick: Midway
Tepper’s Pick: Temple

Cameron Yoe (1-1) at China Spring (1-1)Cameron Yoe was stunned by Class 4A Gatesville last week at home, 31-26. The Yoemen dug themselves a hole in the first half, but rallied back to take a 26-25 lead late but a touchdown with 1:26 left in the game was their undoing. A pair of key interceptions also hampered the Yoemen’s chances against their larger opponent. The task gets tougher this week against a China Spring squad that has designs of a state title after falling in the state semi-finals a year ago. The Cougars were also surprised last week losing a slugfest at home against Class 5A Huntsville. Both teams will be anxious to get back to their winning ways this week and at home I lean to the Cougars.Stepp’s Pick: China Spring by 11Max’s Pick: China Spring
Ishmael’s Pick: China Spring
Brady’s Pick: China Spring
Tepper’s Pick: China Spring

Graham (2-0) at Wichita Falls Hirschi (2-0)This one is one of the top Thursday night games in the state as Graham fresh off a big win at Brownwood, visits Memorial Stadium to take on surprising Hirschi. The Steers offense has been hitting on all cylinders early and they kept that pace up last week in a wild 54-49 win over Brownwood. Quarterback Tucker Horn threw for 350 yards and four touchdowns all going to receiver Cameron Parker. Running back Chase Gilmore had a monster day of his own with 308 rushing yards and four touchdowns as Graham rolled up 656 yards of offense. Hirschi’s dominated two charter schools to open the season outscoring Dallas Life and Waxahachie Life 104-0 in two games. The competition level for the Huskies is going to be raised about five levels this week as Graham has the looks of a real regional title contender early on. Hirschi’s speed at the skill spots is a test for many teams, but Graham’s senior experience will offset any edge Hirschi has and then some.Stepp’s Pick: Graham by 15Max’s Pick: Graham
Ishmael’s Pick: Graham
Brady’s Pick: Graham
Tepper’s Pick: Graham

Borden County (2-0) vs. Calvert (2-0) at ZephyrCalvert will have to deal with Borden County’s size, while Borden County will have to control Calvert’s speed. Last season, these two faced off in a thrilling 62-60 Calvert victory, and I expect this year to be as good. Calvert has a runner in James Green and defensive leader in LB Demarcus Benson, while Borden County features Dave Campbell’s Texas Football coverboy Trace Richey in their defensive secondary. I give a slight edge to Borden County as they have an excellent kicker in all-state pick Easton Edwards; that could prove to be the difference.Leman’s pick: Borden County
Tepper’s pick: Borden County

Gordon (1-1) at Iredell (1-1)Gordon wil try to bounce back from its 46-0 loss at the hands of Crowell, while Iredell is looking to build off its easy 77-26 win over Kopperl. Iredell will need to spread it out and open up lanes to expose Gordon’s defense, while Gordon will need to control the game with their run-based attack. The Dragons lost a 66-54 battle last season and haven’t beaten Gordon since 1966, but I think this is the year they snap the streak.Leman’s pick: Iredell
Tepper’s pick: Gordon

Valley (2-0) at Happy (1-0)Happy returns to action after an idle week following their big upset win over Richland Springs. Next up: another highly ranked squad in Valley. This has turned into a good Panhandle rivalry game with Happy winning the previous three meetings. Valley will need flawless performances from its three-headed backfield of Jayton Smith, Dax Allen and Parker Carson to thwart the mighty Cowboys led by Colton McCarley, who pounded Richland Springs for 469 yards of total offense.Leman’s pick: Happy
Tepper’s pick: Happy

Knox City (2-0) at Crowell (2-0)This game will have two gunslingers in what could be a high-scoring affair. Knox City’s Abraham Nevarez has passed for 372 yards and nine touchdowns this season, with his main target Brady Hawkins hauling in nine catches for 194 yards and six scores. On the other side, Crowell’s Skyler Hayes has taken the signal-calling reins from his brother Tristen, and he hasn’t been afraid to call his own number — he’s thrown for eight touchdowns and run for another four so far. In this slugfest, I think there might be a little extra edge for the home team.Leman’s pick: Crowell
Tepper’s pick: Crowell

QUICK PICKS

Odem (0-1) vs George West (2-0)Stepp’s Pick: George West by 6Max’s Pick: George West Ishmael’s Pick: George West Brady’s Pick: George West Tepper’s Pick: George West